‘Pride of Palm Island’ hangs up the gloves
FAMILY COMES FIRST FOR BOXER PATRICK CLARKE
The Pride of Palm Island is hanging up his boxing gloves to ensure he will be there to raise his two young sons as a single dad.
Patrick Clarke, 30, said the sport had taken him further than he ever thought possible but said he believed the time was right to take a break and give back to his boys, aged six and seven.
There are countless examples of prize-fighters who held on too long to their boxing careers only to suffer the consequences later in life.
Clarke’s responsibilities, to his kids and a new generation on Palm Island, are too great to risk the fate that befell Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis.
“I just did it for my health and my kids,” Clarke said.
“I just need a break from it. It has been getting tough, especially with the two little ones I’ve been raising by myself, with the support of my family.
“It’s for my general health. I want to be able to speak when I’m older. Too much damage isn’t good for me.
“I knew in my heart it was the right choice. I knew it was time to put them up.”
Despite its small population Palm Island has produced boxing champions at an unmatched per-capita rate.
Between 1928 and 1986 Palm fighters won a combined 216 professional bouts to 80 losses.
When “Uncle” Ray Dennis arrived on Palm it was the dawn of a new era, with Clarke and Peter Bonner continuing the Aboriginal Shire’s proud legacy in the sweet science under Dennis’ coaching.
Since Dennis’ death in 2023 his gym and crop of junior fighters has been managed by Chris Evers.
Clarke said he would like the chance to join Evers’ mission to continue the legacy of Uncle Ray.
“I’m hoping to give back to boxing, help out in the community on Palm now,” he said.
“I was thinking of doing some coaching, helping the next generation of kids coming along.
“When Uncle Ray was alive he always used to call me up to come help at the gym and train the kids sometimes.
“Chris has come back from Brisbane, and he used to coach on Palm back when Uncle Ray was alive and we are close so I might help him out.”
Clarke’s journey has included taking on opponents across the country.
After a decorated amateur career in which Clarke fought for the Queensland belt, the super lightweight made his professional debut in North Queensland boxing’s finest hour, on the undercard of Jeff Horn and Tim Tszyu’s Queensland Country Bank bout in 2020.
He won his first fight two bouts later, against Allan Patterson at Townsville Entertainment Centre.
Clarke improved to 2-3 by beating Paul Roberts in Gunnedah.
He retires with a 2-9 record but has left the door open to a comeback.
“Who knows, I might make a comeback,” he said.
“I’ve got to get my head right and I’ll see how I go next year.”